MANKATO, Minn. — #18 Minnesota State (7-2, 6-2 NSIC) secured a decisive 48-7 victory over Southwest Minnesota State (1-8, 1-7 NSIC) at Blakeslee Stadium, highlighted by four rushing touchdowns and a defensive performance that included three interceptions.
Minnesota State surged to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on a balanced offensive attack.
Sam Backer's 52-yard touchdown run at 12:04 followed a 61-yard drive that established early momentum. The Mavericks maintained control with 97 rushing yards on 15 attempts while limiting the Mustangs to just 10 rushing yards.
Connor Fournier's 27-yard field goal extended the lead as time dwindled, concluding the period with the Mavericks ahead 10-0.
Minnesota State capitalized on a turnover on downs early in the second quarter, driving 67 yards, highlighted by
Mitchell Thompson's 49-yard pass to
Hudson Dillon, culminating in a
Connor Fournier 23-yard field goal to extend their lead. The Mustangs responded with a 79-yard drive, featuring Macloud Crowton's key 33-yard completion to Colin Maher, and finished with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Crowton to narrow the gap. By halftime, the Mavericks led 13-7, maintaining a narrow advantage.
Minnesota State extended its lead in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by
Mitchell Thompson's 48-yard touchdown run and his 46-yard touchdown pass to
Grant Guyett. The team capitalized on turnovers with
Jefferson Mobry's interception return for a touchdown, contributing to a 21-point quarter. Defensively, the Mavericks limited the Mustangs to negative 19 rushing yards and forced two interceptions, heading into the fourth quarter with a 34-7 lead.
The Mavericks dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 14-0 and extending their lead to 48-7 by the end of the game. They effectively utilized their ground game, rushing for 100 yards on 13 carries, including two touchdown runs by
Lebarion Gilmore. A pivotal interception by
Emanuel Spiyee at the 4:57 mark further stifled the Mustangs' efforts, sealing their offensive struggles and ensuring the Mavericks' commanding victory.
Sam Backer led the ground game with 103 rushing yards on 14 carries, finding the end zone once. Thompson contributed with 156 passing yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground with 58 rushing yards. Spiyee bolstered the defense with an interception, returning it for five yards. Fournier was perfect in the kicking game, converting six extra points and two field goals, with the longest from 27 yards.
Senior quarterback Crowton threw for 278 yards, completing 28 of 39 attempts, although he was intercepted three times and rushed for one touchdown. Maher, another senior, led the receiving unit with four receptions totaling 86 yards. On defense, senior linebacker Josiah Hedensten was a standout with 18 tackles, while freshman defensive back Kaden Lunsford contributed 14 tackles. Sophomore defensive back Parker Knutson added an interception to his four-tackle performance.
Looking ahead, Minnesota State will face off against #5 Augustana on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Kirkeby-Over Stadium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The game is set for 1 p.m. CT.
